Writing basics for computer people

Friends, we as developers, programmers and all the in betweens need to sharpen our communication skills.

     After taking a year of English composition in the distant past, I see numerous examples of posts or articles that could be improved with some basic writing guidelines.  The first guideline would be to stop using the singular word you. For example, a post on a forum asks:  I’m having rounding problems with SQL Server; a possible answer would be: You should pull back the value as a string and then convert the string value in the code behind.  Does this not sound better:  a person could pull back the value as a string and then convert the value in the code behind? The difference is that “a person” refers not only to the author of the post but also, the readers of the post. Another approach is to eliminate the reference to who is reading the post and just write the solution such as in the post that this example comes from: http://forums.asp.net/t/1199940.aspx

More Guidelines to come 

Happy coding.

Lloyd McGhee

 

6 Comments

  • I would argue that you are addressing a person and not the public so you don't want to sound too formal. It is a private conversation in a public space that other people can read for their edification.

  • Yup I think you're wrong as well. When you reply you are talking to a person so you is perfectly acceptable. In this reply it wouldn't make sense if I had said "I think a person is wrong".

  • I prefer "you" there, as well.

    If someone other than the OP is reading it, they could technically qualify as "you" in their context anyway.

  • I much prefer "you" over "a person".

    If I am writing a reply in a forum, then I'm directly addressing the person who makes the post, or the person who is reading it, and therefore I wouldn't refer to them as if they weren't present.

  • Have I missed something here?

    Whats wrong with "Pull back the value as a string and then convert the string value in the code behind" This elliminates refering to anyone or a person at all.

    In this respect where the question is worded as "I'm" it is basic English comprehension skill to reply with "You", "A person" just sounds odd.

  • It depends on the context, IMO.

    In your examples (forum post, or blog post), I think you can feel free to talk directly to your reader.

    Cheers, and welcome to Asp.net ;)
    Caio Proiete

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